Detailed plans for Christchurch SH1 Western unveiled

﻿As part of Christchurch's Western Corridor improvements, the
NZTA is upgrading Russley Road (SH1) between Avonhead Road and
Harewood Road. The work involves widening the existing two lane
road to a four lane carriageway separated by a median barrier, as
well as upgrading the Russley Road/Memorial Avenue intersection,
with an overbridge incorporating a distinctive feature gateway
structure. The NZTA flyer attached offers you information
about the reasons for the upgrades, along with some images to help
describe the proposed changes.

The upgrade will make it necessary to
close airport access to Russley Road from Avonhead Road and
Wairakei Road, but the NZTA also plans to provide a new southern
airport access at Dakota Park. NZTA has acknowledged the request
for better access to the airport, from members of the public and
major stakeholders including local businesses, Christchurch Airport
based operators and emergency services. This improved access
is also required for the efficient movement of the goods, services
and people needed for the Christchurch rebuild and to grow the
Canterbury economy.

NZTA has consulted with CIAL about the plans and
we are generally satisfied that on completion the proposed
improvements will deliver improved access to and from the
airport. We believe NZTA's plans strike an appropriate
balance between providing safe and efficient access to the airport
and improving the safety and efficiency of the State Highway
network.

If you'd like to know more about the project, we
suggest you attend the Community Open Day arranged by NZTA for
Tuesday 9 October at the Russley Golf Club. If you still have
questions about the project after that, we're happy to try to
answer these queries for you, or put them to NZTA on your
behalf.